Professional Staff Leave Bereavement Leave

UNDERSTAND

Bereavement leave is paid leave that you are entitled to because of the death of a family or household member as defined by the terms of your employment program or collective bargaining agreement. Bereavement leave is available in addition to your accrued sick and annual leave. Bereavement leave must be awarded and used in full day increments.

If your family member or household member dies, as a professional staff employee, you are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. You may request less than three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In accordance with the employer's leave policy, the employer may require verification of the family member's or household member's death.

In addition, sick leave may be used for bereavement or condolence for a family member or friend not defined by your employment program, or if you need to extend your leave due to other circumstances such as your relationship with the deceased or having to travel a long distance.

If you are in a probationary period, bereavement leave will extend the length of your probationary period by the number of days you use bereavement leave.

ACT

If your family or household member has passed away, you will need to consider the following items in order to request and receive bereavement leave:

Determine the number of days of bereavement leave you are eligible for and whether the Professional Staff Program includes the deceased in the definition of family or household member.

Follow your department’s normal leave request procedures to obtain written approval from your supervisor for use of bereavement leave.

LEARN MORE

If you have lost a loved one, please visit the UW CareLink page to find other resources to assist you during this difficult time.